Ajit Pawar death: CM Fadnavis condoles loss of ‘strong and generous friend’, declares three-day mourning in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday expressed his grief and shock at the passing of his deputy Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash, and announced a three-day mourning in the state.

"Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has lost his life in a plane accident. There is an atmosphere of sadness in the state. Losing a leader like him is an unprecedented loss," Fadnavis said in the aftermath of the crash in Baramati, which claimed four lives in addition to Pawar's.

"Such leadership takes many years to develop, and at a time when he was making very significant contributions to the state’s development, his passing is both unbelievable and shocking. Personally, I have lost a strong and generous friend. This is also an enormous loss for his family," the Maharashtra CM said, announcing a three-day mourning in Maharashtra.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar was headed to Baramati to address public rallies on Wednesday when the unexpected and tragic crash took place.

An investigation is currently underway to ascertain what caused the crash.

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)